Topic > Language and culture - 1010

Anthropologists and other social scientists around the world define the concept of culture as “a set of learned behaviors and ideas that humans acquire as members of society” (Lavenda & Schultz, 2008) . Culture plays an absolutely imperative role in defining who we, as humans, are as a distinct species. Within the confines of the world's complex social structures, culture allows humans (and groups of humans) to express themselves effectively. Humans also use culture to systematically adapt and alter the environments around them (Lavenda & Schultz, 2008). Culture is truly a fascinating thing, as it is the most distinctive feature that sets Homo sapiens apart from other biological animal species. One of the most significant components of culture is the deeply complex idea of ​​language. Language, as a cultural marker, has received more recognition and analysis than seemingly any other aspect of culture (Currie & Mace, 2012). Extensive use of language helps shape the identity of cultures and acts as a major facilitator of cultural diversity. These implications possessed by language have broad significance regarding how human beings live their lives. The concept of language, due to its function as a symbolic system of communication, serves an incredibly important purpose in shaping who we are as human beings of different cultures and will continue to have an effect as we progress into the future. By analyzing what language is as an entity, how language directly relates to culture and cognitive thinking, and how it greatly impacts variation in human culture, it is possible to better understand the importance of language in the broad contexts of cultural diversity. it does not at all mean a simplistic conc...... middle of paper ......to observe in depth how language substantially contributes to cultural diversity. The diversity that language exudes can be present in a variety of forms. Languages ​​use tones, clicks, eye marks and other types of general sounds to indicate differences in meaning (Baronchelli et al, 2012 p.1). Cultures use disparate combinations of these communicative components to shape and refine their different forms of language. Scholars and researchers now recognize the fact that languages ​​are an ever-evolving part of cultural experience. Today the foundations of language are seen to be shaped, altered and perfected by the societies that use them. (Dale & Lupyan, 2012 p.1). This concept of constant linguistic evolution contributes greatly to the cultural diversity facilitated by language, as no two languages ​​will ever, at any time, become truly identical.